HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PASADENA CONTRACTORS

Finding a contractor can be just as stressful as the home renovation itself. How do you know you’ve found a company reliable and trustworthy or even where to begin finding a Pasadena contractor? Well, there are a few things you can do to ease the burden and begin your search that will also help verify the person or team you’ve hired is reputable. This isn’t just about calling every general contractor in Pasadena, that would create a head-spinning conga-line of quotes. It’s best to start with people who’ve already done the legwork and that can give you a more inside view of working with a particular contractor in Pasadena. Here are three tips that will help narrow your search and give you a legitimate list of general contractors.

1) Look at Yard Signs in Pasadena

Next time you’re wandering the neighborhood or driving around town, take note of the houses that are having some remodeling done. Most general contractors put signs in the windows or the yard of the home they’re working in, it’s great and free advertising. They get to let all of Pasadena know that not only were they hired but they’re proud of the work they’ve done. When you see the sign in someone’s yard that means this Pasadena contractor has already been vetted and if the homeowners are happy with the work they’ll leave the sign in the yard for a bit after. You’ve just learned two important things about the general contractors: they did good work and they were thought well enough of to be hired in the first place. This is a Pasadena contractor you may want to give a call and get a quote from.

2) Pasadena Hardware Stores

Being in any business means you would naturally network with others in your field, even if not on purpose. While growing in our professions we tend to work with others in our field and develop work relationships with them. The same is true for general contractors. They would need to get their tools and equipment from someone and it’s probably the hardware stores in and around town. Many of the same hardware shops and stores you would go to also service local Pasadena general contractors and if they have a good relationship or have done business in the past you may see an ad for them in the shop. If needing some work done in your home and seeing such a sign, ask the person their thoughts on the contractor or the work they do. Perhaps the store has an ongoing relationship with the contractor or they’ve done work for the owner him or herself. Even if there isn’t a sign, ask at the employees at the hardware store. Them being local to you means they’ll probably know a good Pasadena contractor and perhaps that little tip will get you a deal. No shame in name dropping!

3) Pasadena Builder’s Associations and the Better Business Bureau

There are many organizations that cater specifically to home renovation or repair laborers and help to maintain a directory of legitimate Pasadena contractors. Think of it as the yellow pages for general contractors, except all of them have been vetted and shown to have licenses as well as certified to do general contracting in Pasadena. Another thing about reaching out to your local Builder’s Association or Better Business Bureau is that they can tell you if a general contractor has any complaints against them or suspicious practices, perhaps references. Calling one of these organizations will take the pressure off and ease any anxiety you may have about whether or not you’re working with a reputable general contractor. It isn’t like they just mail in their information to be listed, these organizations exist as a kind of watchdog group. Use what they’re there for and know you’re hiring a licensed and legitimate Pasadena contractor.

Home repairs or renovations can be just as stressful as moving, pricing out the labor, shopping for a local contractor, and making sure you’re not being swindled. While this list isn’t exhaustive and there are a few other avenues you can take, these 3 tips will get the ball rolling on finding a reliable Pasadena contractor. Good work doesn’t have to be determined after the work is done when there are choices to make before hiring someone. You have resources to ease the anxiety and know that when you hire your general contractor, you did your due diligence and can be a bit more at ease.

How can I make sure that the contractor is responsible for the performance of any subcontractors?

7.

Put it in your contract.

8.

How can I negotiate with my contractor?

8.

Know the terminology contractors use. Know the ballpark local cost. Don’t be afraid be say when you don’t understand. Make sure the contractor does not rush you but takes the time to sit and explain everything. Be specific and clear in your needs and wishes.

9.

Should I use a designer and can my designer take charge and manage the project?

9.

For larger projects a designer can save you time, money and produce a better end result. The designer should be checking the quality of work and products side by side with you, the client.

10.

How do I choose a designer?

10.

Make sure the designer is reliable, with a good reputation and references. Make sure you have the same aesthetic. The designer should offer a fair payment schedule, linked to the payment schedule of the contractor that protects you through to the end of the project. Schedule should be based on project progress rather than dates.

11.

How do I ascertain whether references are genuine?

11.

a) Referral from a friend
b) Reviews from sites that are cross referenced – Yelp, Houzz, Better Business Bureau c) Listen to the contractor’s answers to questions about other projects.

STEP 1

SOLUTIONS TO COMMON PITFALLS TO ENSURE
A HAPPY REMODELING EXPERIENCE

POSSIBLE PITFALLS

SOLUTIONS

1.

Going over budget.

1.

Declare your budget to be at least 15% less than you can actually afford.

2.

Feeling shy and uncomfortable because your budget is small.

2.

However small your budget, still declare it to be 15% less than you can afford. Don’t feel pressured into going over. Stick to your plan.

3.

Feeling more like a victim than a client.

3.

Choose a contractor who believes that the client is king – or queen!

4.

Not planning for unexpected costs such as finding dry rot or termites.

4.

That is what the extra 15% is there to cover. Assume you will need it.

Check with a specialist before going ahead, particularly if it is a big project. The fundamental structures may have to be upgraded. Better to find out before you embark on your project, not once you are committed.

6.

Assuming that you will be able to easily and frequently communicate with your contractor.

6.

2-way communication is vital. Make sure your contractor listens to you, as much as you listen to him. Make sure you feel comfortable with your contractor during the selection process.

7.

Letting your contractor act as a designer as well.

7.

Designing and contracting are two different jobs. Hire a designer who can monitor the contractor’s work.

8.

Underestimating the time it takes to choose colors, finishes, appliances etc.

8.

Unless you are willing to spend your days, weekends and evenings looking at tiles and comparing faucets, hire a designer who will make the process smoother and quicker.

9.

Assuming that your contractor will not have conflicts with his subcontractors that can affect your timeline.

9.

Make sure your contract covers this and has a penalty clause if the project is not finished on time.

10.

Receiving lower quality than you were promised.

10.

Obtain a detailed breakdown on the scope of work of the products and brands to be used.

11.

Having difficulty getting the final touch ups finished off properly.

11.

Hold back the last payment until the final walk through and you are totally satisfied.

12.

Assuming your project will finish on time and planning an event accordingly.

12.

Always assume your project will take 50% longer. You will be far less stressed. Of course don’t say this to your contractor! If it finishes on time, it is a bonus.

STEP 3

ESSENTIAL POINTS TO INCLUDE IN YOUR CONTRACT
FOR A HAPPY REMODELING EXPERIENCE

A contract is a legally binding agreement between you and the contractor that promises an action. Your bid document will usually become your contract once it is signed. It should spell out the full scope of the project. This is the time to nitpick and scrutinize the document and ask questions about anything you are unsure of. It is so much easier to resolve issues if they are agreed in writing upfront. Don’t be afraid to add to the contract. Don’t rely on the contractor to include everything but do ask him if he thinks anything else should be included to ensure that the job can be successfully completed.

Key information that should be included:

•

Contractor’s name, address and contact information

•

Name of the contact person who will oversee the project

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License number, proof of licensing and insurance and what the insurance covers. All subcontractors

must have their own workers’ compensation and liability insurance or be covered by the main contractor

•

Full scope of work

•

Total cost of project with individual pricing for agreed items

•

Itemized list of materials, with specific brands noted if requested. If the contractor

is willing to give you the itemized price as well, so much the better

•

A clause that allows you to purchase and provide material yourself if the contractor needs

to substitute an item, or you do not like what the contractor selects or the price he is offering

•

A clause that states that the client and the designer will sign and approve certain agreed